ST JOHNSTONE kick off their new season with a home Premier Sports Cup game against Annan Athletic after last season's great escape.
The Saints were double Cup winners a year ago and went into their campaign with plenty of optimism, but their season quickly turned into a nightmare as they ended up needing a play-off to survive, which they did in some style with a thumping win over a tired Inverness side.
Callum Davidson's side welcome League Two Annan Athletic to Perth and they served up a warning of what they are capable of with a fine 3-2 victory in their first game in the competition at the weekend at Queen of the South, who were only relegated from the Championship last term.
The McDiarmid Park boss has opted to bring in experience during the summer with the arrivals of Graham Carey, Andrew Considine, Jamie Murphy, Drey Wright – all players who know Scottish football extremely well and he's also added Celtic kid Adam Montgomery on loan.
Saints have also recalled exciting Ukrainian Max Kucheriavyi after a successful loan spell at Kelty Hearts last season and they will be looking to challenge for a top six place this term instead of being involved in a relegation dog fight.
How the bookies view it
St Johnstone are obviously clear favourites and the best price on offer is 1/4 witn 10Bet with 1/5 more in line with most bookies' prices.
The Galabankies can be backed at 11/1 with Paddy Power and the draw is 19/4 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
The clubs have never met before. Here is St Johnstone's 4-0 demolition of Caley Thistle in the play-off final which ensured their Premiership survival last season.
Players to watch
Canadian striker Theo Blair scored in Saint's pre-season win against Cove Rangers at the weekend and he is 6/4 to score on Tuesday against Annan with McBookie.com.
Annan's Chris Johnston netted in that weekend win in Dumfries and is usually a goal threat for Annan. He is 11/2 to net anytime with McBookie.com.
Anything else catch the eye?
St Johnstone look far too short here against an Annan side who are usually good for goals at both ends. Saints have played three friendlies against Aberdeen, Civil Service Strollers and Cove Rangers and have yet to keep a clean sheet.
The value could be with a home win and both teams to score at 2/1 with bet365.
Annan are likely to give Saints a real game here and the 11/10 with Ladbrokes on Peter Murphy's side getting a two-goal start on the handicaps could be a player.
This Scottish League Cup match between St Johnstone and Annan Athletic will be played on Jul 12, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best St Johnstone vs Annan Athletic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.